Voters in Wildwood, Ballwin and Eureka will decide Nov. 3 who represents them on the St. Louis County Council.

Councilman Mark Harder, a Republican from Ballwin, is seeking a fourth term representing the 7th District. Democrat John Kiehne, a musician who has sought elected office four times in the past decade, wants to unseat him, as reported by St. Louis Public Radio.

The race plays out against a $99.3 million county budget deficit that both candidates say demands hard choices. The 7th District covers far western St. Louis County, including Wildwood, Eureka and Ballwin.

Budget: same problem, different approach

Harder, a former Ballwin alderman, said his institutional knowledge gives him an edge during a fiscal crisis.

"We're in crisis mode," Harder told St. Louis Public Radio. "Many of my colleagues look to me many times and say, 'What did we do 10 years ago, or eight years ago?'"

Unlike some Republican colleagues, Harder said he is open to revenue increases alongside spending cuts, though he has ruled out laying off police officers. At a Wednesday, Oct. 14, budget town hall covered by KSDK, Harder told residents and county workers, "We've got to look at every line item in that budget."

Kiehne said squabbles between the council and County Executive Sam Page, and among council members themselves, have distracted the body from serving the county's 1 million residents. He acknowledged Harder is not solely responsible for the budget problems but said there is an overall lack of understanding about the nuts and bolts of governance.

On fixing the deficit, Kiehne called for more collaboration between council members, the county executive and department heads.

Data center regulation

Both candidates agree the county is taking necessary steps to regulate data centers in unincorporated areas. A proposal presented to the Planning Commission on Aug. 10 would block data centers from residential areas and flood plains, according to St. Louis Public Radio's earlier reporting. The largest facilities, those using 50 megawatts or more, would be allowed only in industrial zones. The rules still need several rounds of approval.

Harder said the regulations will help manage growth. Kiehne said he would be skeptical of hyperscale projects, citing their potential impact on the environment and utility prices.

The political landscape

The 7th District is the most reliably Republican district in St. Louis County. Harder won his last race by 16 percentage points, and Kiehne trails in fundraising, according to St. Louis Public Radio.

Harder said he is not worried about a partisan wave, paraphrasing his view that potholes have no party affiliation and that the council's job is keeping basic services running.

Kiehne said residents frustrated with road conditions and slow responses to concerns are paying closer attention to who has been making decisions at the county level.

The St. Louis County Council must adopt a final operating budget before Jan. 1, 2027. County Executive Page's proposed 2027 budget includes a nearly $70 million decrease in operating spending and the elimination of 139 positions, according to First Alert 4. Whoever wins will face the county’s continuing financial challenges during the next term.